The work of Ofcom: MPs to question regulator on online safety and broadcasting regulation

Tuesday 20 October, 10am, Committee Room 16, Palace of Westminster

The Chair and Chief Executive of Ofcom are likely to face questions on online safety and media regulation during a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee session examining the work of the broadcasting and communications regulator.

The hearing will be an opportunity for MPs to ask Sir Ian Cheshire and Dame Melanie Dawes about how Ofcom is implementing and enforcing the Online Safety Act and whether both the legislation and regulator can keep up with the impact of AI and other emerging technologies. The pair could also be asked about the preparations Ofcom is making for the government's proposed social media ban for under 16s.

There are also likely to be questions on Ofcom's approach to enforcing broadcasting standards and its role in maintaining public confidence when it comes to impartiality on the airwaves. The regulator's approach to ensuring the welfare of the participants and crew involved in reality TV and the government's plans to ensure the prominence of trustworthy news sources on social media may also be discussed.

The session will additionally give the committee a chance to ask about other parts of Ofcom's remit such as its role in improving media literacy and telecoms regulation.

Witnesses

At 10am

• Sir Ian Cheshire, Chair, Ofcom 
• Dame Melanie Dawes DCB, Chief Executive, Ofcom